WASTE LAND BOARD.

Evening Star, Issue 3419, 5 February 1874, Page 2

WASTE LAND BOARD.

The usual weekly meeting of the Board was held on Thursday, Present—Messrs Strode (in the chair), Buttorworth, Clark, and Beid. A reply from Ranger Hughan was read to the letter of Mr Richardson, which latter had complained of mismanagement of the Toetoes Hundred. The Ranger stated that he and the settlers were certainly at variance, but that the fault lay entirely with the latter, and that the statements of Mr Richardson were false and unfounded. Mr R. Gillies presented a petition from settlers in the Toeteos Hundred against the enforcing of the payment of the assessment by distress warrants, which course it was understood the Board intended taking. Mr Gillies said that really all that was ashed was that the petitioners should obtain a fair hearing before proceedings were taken. The Board considered ample time had passed for the petitioners to act in the matter, and resolved to adhere to its former decision. The New Zealand and Australian Land Company applied to be allowed to take up their presumptive rights on runs 209 and 11, consisting of a square block to include part of run 265, which they held under arrangement with Sir P. D. Bell. The consideration of the matter was adjourned till the next meeting of the Board.

Messrs M'Lennan and Thomson applied, through Mr Stout, for a coal lease of section 117, block 2, Leaning Bock. Messrs Howard Maria, and Phillips objected, Mi B. Gillies appearing for them. Mr Stout said that a large number of people at Clyde desired that the lease should be granted, and presented a memorial from some residents to that effect.—Mr Gillies said that he oould Drove that some of the signatures to the memorial were not written by the persons whose names they represented. He also presented a counter-petition on behalf of his clients, which stated thatthey werenowsupplyingcoal to the satisfaction of everybody. Messrs Marshall and Patterson, both late of Clyde, gave evidence as to Marie’s trouble expense in opening up his pit, and Mr Gi'lies concluded by stating that the name of Mr M'Lennan was well known throughout the length and breadth of Otago in connection with the police force.—Mr Stout thought the case of Mr Gillies’s clients must be very weak when that gentleman had to attack the character of one of the applicants.—Mr Gillies said he simply meant to say that Mr M'Lennan was an adventurer. The Board decided that the evidence that a secondpitwasrequired was insufficient. They did not attach much importance to the petitions, and if in future it was found that asecond pit was really required to supply the residents with coal, the question must be brought before the Board by a resolution of the Corporation of Clyde, the only authorized body. The application was refused. The Tapanui Progress Committee requested that a sale of Crown lands in Glenkenich district, advertised to be held on the 10th inst., should be held at Tapanui instead of at Lawrence, as notified. Also that the balloting for deferred—payment sections in the same district be held at Tapanui instead of at Lawrence. Letter of remonstrance ar» rived too late for the Board to take the aotion desired ; with regard to the second re. quest, the Act required that it should bo held at Lawrence.

It had bren requested that the unsold sections in Ettrick should all be advertised for sale at the next auction there, p Iso, that thirty more sections be laid off. These had both been agreed to by the Government. It was decided that the unsold sections be advertised for sale; hut that the other request be not complied with at present. A petition was received praying that sections 1, 2, and 3, block 3, Table Hill, should not be sold. The sections to be reserved for the present.

The Tapanui Progress Committee requested that sections 12, 13, and 16, block 7, Glenkenich, be reserved for coal. Agreed

Mr John Michael applied to purchase section 16, block 19, Tuapeka East, umber section 73 of the Waste Land Act. To be sold by auction as land of special value, in consequence of the improvements. Upset price, 21s per acre. . Mi* Ralph Moir applied to purchase an island on the Clutha, opposite block 2, Hillend. being section 46, a bush reserve. Referred to the Ranger to report on. Mr J. S. Webb, for Mr W. B. Cairns, applied for a lease of the two largest islands on the Waitaki, above the Otekaike stream, for grazing purposes. Mr Webb said that the principal vegetation on these islands was tutu, and the principal inhabitants rabbits. The application was granted at a rental of L 5 per annum, terminable at six months* notice.

The Hon. Matthew Holmes applied for a depasturing license for Traquair Hundred, an a. also for West Taieri* Licenses to issue Without prejudice. Mr F. G. Margetts wrote declining “ with thanks, the honor of being appointed’* on the Board of Inquiry. The Warden to be asked ® u ßß es t the name of a suitable person. Mr Warden Carew reported favorably on the application of Mr James Parker, that the water-shed of the Verter Burn, in Traquair Hundred, should be reserved for coldmitnng, thinking there would be a risk of selling auriferous land if the application be not complied with. Granted. District Lancl Officer forwarded an application from Mr John Perriam to purchase section I, block 2, Cromwell, and section 2, block 2, Wakefield—being 50 acres of land, part of run 245, and with the rimholder’s consent. Referred to Warden Simpi son to report‘as to what' part ‘ho would recommend to be sold.

Mr Warden Carew reported favorably op the application of Mr J. R Dawson for 3 mining lease of section I, block 8, Tuapeka East. Q-ranted for twenty-one years at the following rentalL2o per annupi for first two years; L4Q per annum for following three years j LBO per annum fpr remainder of term. n

The Board recommended that in future land sales in Dunedin be held in the Pm. vincial Council Hall.